The first time is never forgotten and the first game at the new Spotify Camp Nou will be no exception. The first match, the first victory, and the first celebration are the big picture of a game that featured countless "firsts" worth reviewing.
All the firsts before kick-off
It was, for example, the first time at the new stadium for the 45,157 Barça fans who enjoyed Barça v Athletic Club in the flesh. They gave the goalkeepers a first ovation - Joan Garcia, Szczesny, and Kochen - the first to come out and warm up before their teammates, the outfield players. Also, before the action got under way, the first anthem was performed by the Orfeó Català, and the first ceremonial kick-off was one of the most special moments.
Two of the longest-standing members, Juan Canela Salamero and Jordi Penas i Iberri, who were also present at the stadium's inauguration in 1957, had the honour. A lifetime of commitment to Barça that earned a standing ovation from the fans. This was followed by a first minute's silence, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
From the first touch to the first goal, scored by the captain
And after all the preamble it was time for the football. Flick's first starting eleven featured Joan Garcia in goal; Koundé, Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, and Balde at the back; Eric, Fermín, and Olmo in midfield; and Ferran, Lamine Yamal, and Lewandowski - as captain - in attack
The first touch came from Fermín with the kick-off, celebrating his 100th appearance with the first team. With the whistle came the first chant, the classic “Oh le le, oh la la, being Barça is the best there is,” which set the tone for the atmosphere very early on. The first throw-in came from Gorosabel, the first offside Nico Williams, and the first corner was taken by Dani Olmo in the second minute and just a couple of minutes later came the first goal, scored and created by Lewandowski himself.
First assist, typical Lamine Yamal
More details: the first foul, committed by Berenguer; the first disallowed goal, by Ferran Torres in the 24th minute; the first save by Joan Garcia, in the 33rd minute from a shot by Unai Gómez; and the first yellow card, shown to De Galarreta. And toward the end of the first half, the first assist, in trademark style, from Lamine Yamal with the outside of his foot for Ferran to make it 2-0.
At halftime came the first substitution, with Araujo replacing Balde, and shortly after Fermín had made it 3-0, Sancet's wild kick at the midfielder earned the first red card at the new Spotify Camp Nou.
May all first times be like this one
A man up and a 3-0 up, the pace slowed, and the crowd joined the party with the first “Olé, Olé” chants after a long spell of possession in the 72nd minute. Just when it seemed there was nothing more to come, after a VAR review, Ferran Torres scored the first brace in the 90th minute to seal the first big win. A perfect ending to the celebrations. Hopefully, all first times will be like this one.